Near Fatal Asthma in Children and Young People
This study focuses on children and young people aged 5 to 15 in the UK and Ireland who have experienced a very serious asthma attack, often referred to as 'near fatal asthma'. Researchers aim to find out how often these severe attacks occur, what factors might put children at higher risk, and how medical care is provided both during and after such an event. The study will also look at how things like pollution and weather might play a role. By understanding these aspects better, the goal is to improve guidance for families and healthcare professionals, leading to more consistent and effective care, and ultimately helping to prevent future severe asthma episodes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about understanding 'near fatal asthma attacks' in children and young people aged 5 to 15 across the UK and Republic of Ireland. A 'near fatal asthma attack' is a very severe asthma episode where a child's breathing becomes extremely difficult, potentially requiring intensive medical treatment or even resuscitation. The researchers want to gather information on how common these attacks are and what might cause them.
The study will look at various factors, including environmental elements like pollution, pollen, and weather, as well as common medical situations. It will also examine the different ways these severe attacks are managed in hospitals, from emergency care to intensive care. By bringing all this information together, the researchers hope to identify ways to improve the care children receive, prevent future severe attacks, and develop better guidelines for healthcare professionals.
Another important aspect of this study is understanding what happens after a child experiences such a severe asthma attack. They will follow up with children for up to two years to see how their care is managed and what the long-term impact might be. This will help make sure that care received after a severe attack is consistent and supports children and their families effectively.
Key takeaways
- Focuses on children and young people (5-15 years) who have had a very severe asthma attack.
- Aims to understand why these severe attacks happen and how often.
- Will examine how medical care is provided during and after these attacks.
- Explores environmental factors like pollution, pollen, and weather.
- Hopes to improve future care and guidelines for children with asthma.
- Participation involves sharing existing medical records, not new treatments.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and young people between the ages of 5 and 15 years old who have experienced a very severe asthma attack and survived to be discharged from the hospital.
Specifically, a child might be included if their asthma attack was so severe that they had very low oxygen levels despite receiving a lot of oxygen, or if their blood showed certain changes related to their breathing. They might also be included if they needed medication given directly into a vein to help their breathing, or if they needed help with their breathing using a machine (known as invasive ventilation) or even resuscitation.
A child would not be included if their asthma attack didn't meet these specific criteria for a 'near fatal' event.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Your child is between 5 and 15 years old.
- Your child had a very severe asthma attack.
- During the attack, their oxygen levels were very low despite oxygen therapy, OR their blood test showed specific breathing issues.
- During the attack, they needed medication given into a vein, or breathing support from a machine, or even resuscitation.
- Your child survived the severe asthma attack and was discharged from the hospital.
What does participation involve?
This is an observational study, which means researchers will collect information about severe asthma attacks that have already happened. This study doesn't involve any new treatments or procedures for your child. Instead, it involves collecting information from their medical records. Researchers will also follow up on your child's care for 12 and 24 months after the severe asthma attack, again by looking at existing medical records. You would not need to attend any extra appointments or receive any special medication as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of EdinburghVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What does 'near fatal asthma' mean?
It refers to a very severe asthma attack where a person's breathing becomes extremely difficult, sometimes requiring urgent medical interventions or intensive care, but they survive the episode.
Will my child receive any new treatments in this study?
No, this is an observational study, meaning it just collects information about existing care. Your child will not receive any new treatments or medications because of this study.
Who is eligible to be included in this study?
The study is looking for children and young people aged 5 to 15 who have had a very severe asthma attack and were discharged from the hospital.
What kind of information will the study look at?
The study will look at details of the asthma attack, how it was treated, and factors like pollution, weather, and other health conditions, using information from medical records.
What is the main goal of this research?
The goal is to better understand why severe asthma attacks happen in children and how care can be improved to prevent future attacks and provide more consistent treatment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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